34’ diesel Amberjack,what needs to be done to engines for spring commissioning

From an engine room access POV, I would say that the narrower inline 6 diesels compared to the fat 454 V8's would offer some extra room between the motors for maintenance. They're longer but that shouldn't be an issue in a straight drive boat.

I think a diesel 34' Amberjack would be a killer long-haul boat. And if you're into fishing (I'm not), what a great platform.

Where in S. Florida will you be based?

Good luck and post pics once the deal is done!
 
Hey copb8tx. Yeah, what attracts to me to the boat is the cross style between a sundancer setup (big comfortable below area) but with a great fishing/sport setup in back. So, yeah, hope to do some anglin, divin, etc.

Buying the boat in Tampa and bringing her to my home port of Bay St. Louis, MS. I plan to be all over and up and down the coast though. And thanks for confirming my hopes, that I can cover some area relatively economically with this setup. Fingers crossed for great survey and engine inspection.

Cheers
Sid
 
Stee's hair has always been on fire over the diesel vs gasoline boat discussions. I'll tell you this that throughout the years we have bantered diesel vs gasoline to death. Search this forum as well as others.... I'll also tell you that that boat with diesel engines will quietly run circles around the same boat with gas engines while the gas engines are working their little piston rings into the cylinder walls and you'll burn less fuel doing it. If those Cat's, which have rather low hours BTW, survey well they will give you many years of reliable service as long as you keep to the service regiment. Most wear parts are no more expensive than the gasoline counterpart. You'll also find that slow speed handling is a dream with the diesel's big props, and when you drop the engines into gear hold on - the boat moves with authority. That boat in diesel trim is a rarity and very desirable - worth the extra price. It will always hold a higher value. Here is another thought - a fuel leak in a gasoline bilge/engine room is a big problem whereas diesel is an inconvenience.
 
I'll add as an edit - that even though the engines survey well it is essential to baseline them. That means when you take the boat have the top end set, change the injector pump check valves, new filters, replace hoses, clamps, belts, drain clean and replace the coolant, new raw water impeller, zinc's, get the heat exchangers pulled, cleaned, and pressure tested. Even if they say the batteries are recent - replace them. Those big engines require healthy batteries.
Actually, this is probably true on any boat purchase but that baselining can be a bit pricey but it's better than some disaster always chasing you.
 
ttmott said:
Stee's hair has always been on fire over the diesel vs gasoline boat discussions. I'll tell you this that throughout the years we have bantered diesel vs gasoline to death. Search this forum as well as others.... I'll also tell you that that boat with diesel engines will quietly run circles around the same boat with gas engines while the gas engines are working their little piston rings into the cylinder walls and you'll burn less fuel doing it. If those Cat's, which have rather low hours BTW, survey well they will give you many years of reliable service as long as you keep to the service regiment. Most wear parts are no more expensive than the gasoline counterpart. You'll also find that slow speed handling is a dream with the diesel's big props, and when you drop the engines into gear hold on - the boat moves with authority. That boat in diesel trim is a rarity and very desirable - worth the extra price. It will always hold a higher value. Here is another thought - a fuel leak in a gasoline bilge/engine room is a big problem whereas diesel is an inconvenience.
Click to expand...

I'm actively trying to buy a diesel boat! We'll see how it all shakes out. I can't wait for the day I own a diesel and still stick up for those gassers. Someone around here needs to do it :)
 
Stee6043 said:
I'm actively trying to buy a diesel boat! We'll see how it all shakes out. I can't wait for the day I own a diesel and still stick up for those gassers. Someone around here needs to do it :)
Click to expand...
Blasphemy! Arrest that guy...
 
Thanks for confirming what I wanna hear ttmott. I finally got to see her yesterday. she's as immaculate as the owner claimed. excellent service history. I put it under contract on the spot! I'm confident the surveys will be acceptable. Can't wait to take her home. Tampa to Bay St. Louis
 
I had a boat with diesel’s for ten years. There really is no comparison to gas engine. Handling around a dock and no bogging down in a swell is great. On the engine survey make sure the are propped to 2850 and send out oil samples on engine and trannies.
But just be prepared on those 3116 or 3126 you need a certified Cat Machanic to to some of top end stuff. I also blew one of my engines at 2200hr and all said and done it cost me 50grand. Diesel are great but you have to be prepared to pay if something major happens.
 
As you study those power and fuel curves, keep in mind that Cats 3126's will run at 2800rpm but Caterpillar's recommended cruise speed is 2400rpm. That means your fuel burn at cruise is about 20gph compared to fuel useage in the mid to high 30's gph with gas engines.

The 340AJ has huge 5-6" exhaust ports in the transom corners. I delivered a gas 340AJ to our dealer's second store for the sales dept, about 35 miles up the coast to Destin. Listening to a pair of 8.1 gas engines bellowing at us got real old after the fun of big gas engines wore off……..about 45 minutes. My boat was a 450DA with Cat Diesels and it was a pleasure to run and a breath of fresh after running that Gas AJ for 3 hours up the coast.

The diesel 370EC and her little sister the 340AJ never come on the market becasue they are so pouplar on the Gulf coast as economical fishing platforms.
 
Maybe A Dancer said:
Tom,

Could you please share some additional info on these?

BEST !

RWS
Click to expand...
Thank you fwebster. I think I found a great boat and your input helps confirm that! I am only tinkering with small stuff and upgrades. The boat has a live well and fish box in the stern are. The fish box needs a new tub. Anybody know where I might find one?? Thx
 
Thank you fwebster. I think I found a great boat and your input helps confirm that! I am only tinkering with small stuff and upgrades. The boat has a live well and fish box in the stern are. The fish box needs a new tub. Anybody know where I might find one?? Thx
 
Good morning
Just found this thread
I own a 2001 340 Amberjack with the CATT 3126 350HP diesels. My boat is very rare as it is a 100% freshwater boat having spent its whole life on the Great Lakes.

If I am not mistaken, there were only 4 or 5 340 Amberjack diesels delivered to fresh water customers during its 3 year run.
I can understand why as mine was a $75K option at the time!

I can tell you that cruiing at between 1500 and 1900 I am seeing approximately 2-2.5 mpg combined.
I am also finding fuel to be lower priced than the non-enthanol 91 I used to put in my 454 big blocks.
The only thing I recommend is having oil tested with every oil change and have a CATT certified mechanic perform PMs every 3-5 years.

Love my boat!
 
Thanks Corvette. Loving mine so far. It's been tough to nail down the fuel econmomy in the conditions I have sailed through. Just getting through all the fixes due to being negelected for awhile. On maiden voyage from Tampa area back to Bay St. Louis, MS lost forward gear in port tranny. "Stuck" in Orange Beach, AL waiting for a diagnosis/repair.
 
ttmott said:
I'll add as an edit - that even though the engines survey well it is essential to baseline them. That means when you take the boat have the top end set, change the injector pump check valves, new filters, replace hoses, clamps, belts, drain clean and replace the coolant, new raw water impeller, zinc's, get the heat exchangers pulled, cleaned, and pressure tested. Even if they say the batteries are recent - replace them. Those big engines require healthy batteries.
Actually, this is probably true on any boat purchase but that baselining can be a bit pricey but it's better than some disaster always chasing you.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by 'baseline' them?
 
ttmott said:
I'll add as an edit - that even though the engines survey well it is essential to baseline them. That means when you take the boat have the top end set, change the injector pump check valves, new filters, replace hoses, clamps, belts, drain clean and replace the coolant, new raw water impeller, zinc's, get the heat exchangers pulled, cleaned, and pressure tested. Even if they say the batteries are recent - replace them. Those big engines require healthy batteries.
Actually, this is probably true on any boat purchase but that baselining can be a bit pricey but it's better than some disaster always chasing you.
Click to expand...
SShepp said:
What do you mean by 'baseline' them?
Click to expand...
 
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